Wood’s Lamp

The Wood’s Lamp has been routinely used in primary care practices, typically in combination with fluorescein dye to detect corneal abrasions. However, dermatologists use woods lamps to identify a variety of skin conditions that include fungal infections, bacterial infections, and parasitic infestations.

The lamp was invented in 1903 by a physicist Robert W. Wood, and first used in dermatology in 1925. The device emits UA light in the 365 nm wavelength and has been traditionally called a “black light”.

In dermatology the lamp[ helps identify tinea capitis when caused by several microsporum species (fluoresce green-blue) and one Tricophytum species (fluoresce green-blue).

Burns infected with pseudomonas fluoresce green once the bacterial cell count rises. Wood’s lamps can help identify scabies when used in conjunction with fluorescein dye which helps identify the burrows associated with the infestation.

I find it useful for identifying the nits and live lice associated with pediculosis- it also can be used to assure resolution and reassure parents and patients that the infestation has been resolved.

Wood’s lamps can sell for as much as $400, but you can find black lights on Amazon that work equally well for just $10 to $20. I suggest you use these in conjunction with the Optivisor reviewed previously on Medgizmos.com.